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Click here for Polk Co. general camping info

12130 NW 128th Street
Ph: 515-323-5300
Granger, IA, 50109

Can’t find what camping site you’re looking for? New to camping with us?

Varieties of camping experiences await you. Each park has its unique camping experience but all campgrounds offer a picnic table and fire rings at each site with modern shower houses nearby.

Electric sites range from basic electric with water and dump station nearby to full hook ups.

Nonelectric sites range from primitive backpack sites nestled in the woods, to single tent sites, and to open grassy areas overlooking the Des Moines River where families and small groups can camp together.

Firewood is available for purchase at all parks.

How do I know if a campsite is available?

There are campsites that allow advance reservations and those that are first-come, first-served only.

Making reservations prior to arrival:

·        Go to www.mycountyparks.com website

·        Enter dates

·        Select campsite and follow booking process

·        Don’t find what you are looking for? Search without dates and click on campsite availability calendar

Making Reservations at a Reservable Campsite:

·        Scan QR code posted on the site marker. If no QR code present, this site does not accept online reservations and is a first-come, first-served site only.

·        Follow booking process.

What about sites that cannot be reserved online (first-come, first-served sites)?

·        To camp on a first-come, first-served site:

Drive through the area, find an empty site that is not reservable (sites are identified on the site post).

o   Set up camping unit then go self-register at the camping kiosk or fee booth near the shower house. You must have a camping unit on the site (tent, camper, RV) prior to payment. Payment must be within one hour of set up. Cash or checks only.

o   Campsite availability is not available online or by calling the park office.

Campgrounds are available at the following parks

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

·        Jester Park

·        Thomas Mitchell Park

·        Yellow Banks Park

Reservable campsites:

·        Thomas Mitchell Park (all sites)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 1 (all sites), 4 (select sites)

·        Yellow Banks Full Hook-up Sites (all sites),

·        Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1(select sites), 2 (select sites)

·        Youth Group and Family Group Sites (all sites)

Non-reservable Campsites (first-come, first-served)

·        Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (all campsites except youth area)

·        Jester Park Campgrounds 2, 3,4 (select sites), Walk-in Primitive Sites

·        Yellow Banks Campgrounds 1 (select sites), 2 (select sites), all tent sites

Location

Jester Park, 12130 NW 128th St., Granger, Iowa, 50109

Campground and area maps can be found on our website at www.LeadingYouOutdoors.org. 

Amenities

Season (April 15 through October 15)

·        Water and modern restroom/shower facilities are open.

Off Season (April 1 – 14; October 16 – November 30)

·        Shower house and modern restrooms may be closed.

Off Season (December 1 - March 31)

·        Gravel roads in camp areas closed to vehicular traffic. Shower house and modern restrooms closed.

·        Only hike-in tent camping is available at this time. Campers must self-register at the campground kiosk within one hour of setting up camp.

Youth area is open for reservations all year long.

 

·        Electric sites: 20 & 30 amp service, 50 amp service at some sites

·        Water: located in camping loops and at shower houses.

·        Pad surfacing: gravel

·        Camp pad length: varies

·        Site type: back-in only

·        Extra vehicle allowed at site: Yes, if kept on the gravel pad

·        Shower housel near campground 1, adjacent to fee booth and amphitheater

·        Trash dumpster: ALL trash must be carried out and placed in dumpster.

·        Dump station: at entrance

·        Fire ring: yes

·        Firewood: available for purchase from camp host or park ranger upon request.

Equestrian layovers can be arranged with Jester Park Stables. Call 515-999-2818 for details.
A/C
Carry in/carry out refuse
Dump station
Electricity
Fire ring
Firewood available
Handicap Accessible
On-site resident host
Pet Friendly
Picnic Table
Pressurized water
Shower facilities

Fees

Camping rates:  $25 per night electric site 

Campsites in campground 1 must be reserved online. Camp sites in campground 2 are all first come first serve sites. 

Discounts for first come first serve sites (do not apply to reservable sites): 

  • Weekly Rate: For stays of 7 days on first come first serve sites, pay 6 nights and receive 7th night free.
  • Discount camping booklets are available. To receive vouchers for 7 nights of camping (non-consecutive) for the price of 6 nights call or visit the administration office at 515-323-5300 during regular business hours. These discounts do not apply to online reservations.

Hours of Operation & Seasons

Summer Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Winter Hours: Sunrise to sunset 

 

Season (April 1 – November 30)

Closures

Off Season (December 1 - March 31)

Gravel roads in camp areas closed to vehicular traffic. Shower house and modern restrooms closed.

Permits

On first come first serve sites (nonreservable), we require that you post your camping receipt on site marker provided.  Self-registration envelopes are available at the Jester Park fee booth near camp area 1.

Reservable sites must have completed reservations prior to occupying the site. Online reservations may be made up to 1 year in advance. Change and cancellation penalties apply. Please read the contract carefully prior to purchase.

Park rules and regulations can be found on the Polk County Conservation website www.leadingyououtdoors.org.